Weight restrictions placed on bridge

THE Fiji Roads Authority has placed a temporary weight restriction on the Vuci Irrigation Rd Bridge in Nausori.

The restriction was placed following an inspection this week by the authority's engineers who identified the bridge needed significant work to make it safe for heavy vehicles to use.

In an Information Ministry statement issued on Friday, the authority said urgent action had been programmed and work would take place over the next four to six weeks. The statement said the weight restriction only permits vehicles of less than three tonnes.

Authority CEO Neil Cook said the closure of bridges or weight restrictions are not imposed without very good reason.

"When weight restrictions are put in place, it is because experts have assessed the risk to public safety as very high if heavy vehicles continue to use a bridge before it is repaired," he said.

All drivers using the bridge have been advised to adhere to the weight restrictions.